Bafang Dumpling is embarking on its first Houston opening. According to a recently filed Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit, the Taiwanese dumpling chain is expected to open in The Heights at 915 N Shepherd Drive, Suite H.
The permit further details that construction on the new Bafang Dumpling is planned to start in mid-December of this year and is slated to wrap up by mid-June 2027. If all goes well with permitting and the estimated $300,000 construction project, Bafang Dumpling should make its Houston debut by next summer.
At the helm of the opening is Banfang Dumpling CEO Stephanie Peng. What Now Houston reached out to Peng to find out more about the exciting expansion. Unfortunately, we did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“Dumplings come in many shapes and forms, and their name indicates the particular ways to cook,” the Bafang Dumpling website reads.
“Potstickers (guō tiē 鍋貼) are rectangular with a flat bottom, meaning “sticking to the pot.” At Bafang Dumpling, they are cooked on a griddle, creating a crispy bottom.
Dumplings (shuǐ jiǎo 水餃) are boiled, with “shuǐ” meaning water and “jiǎo” referring to dumplings. Traditionally a comfort food, they symbolize wealth and prosperity. Bafang’s unique dumpling shape resembles yuan-bao, ancient gold currency, bringing family and friends together.”
And the booming brand is known for serving delicious variations of both.
Dumpling and potsticker flavors include classic pork, chicken, curry, kimchi, and Korean vegetable options. Customers often pair them with Taiwanese beef noodle soup, scallion-based dry noodles, and soy milk.
Lin Jiayu, also known as Mr. Lin or Lynn Xiau, founded Bafang Dumpling in 1998 in Taipei’s Tianmu neighborhood, Taiwan. After facing financial struggles and heavy debt during an economic downturn, Mr. Lin launched a small 140-square-foot shop inspired by the simple, comforting potstickers and dumplings he used to make for his students. The chain expanded beyond Taiwan, opening its first locations in Hong Kong in 2008 and in mainland China in 2014.
Parent company Bafang Yunji International Co., Ltd. became a publicly traded company on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in September 2021. Bafang Dumpling opened its very first U.S. location in March 2022 in the City of Industry, California. Since then, it has expanded to other regions, including San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Texas, debuting in Carrollton in September.
Bafang Dumpling now has more than 1,400 locations globally, including more than 1,300 to 1,400 stores across Asia and an expanding footprint in the United States with around 17 stores.
“As the leading company of fast food in Taiwan, the vision of our company’s culture and the stores remains- to nourish, grow, and build together as community,” the brand’s website reads.
Bafang Dumpling is anticipated to debut in Houston in The Heights at 915 N Shepherd Drive, Suite H, by next summer.
(This is a developing story. As more information is made available, we will update this article. Stay tuned!)
